A daring late-night forest clearance operation by the Imo State Police Command has left two sub-commanders of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN) dead in Imo State.
The operation, carried out on February 24 by tactical teams acting on credible intelligence, targeted suspected militant hideouts in Amaocha Afara, Umunoha and Ifakala communities spanning Mbaitoli and Njaba Local Government Areas.
Security sources said the operatives came under heavy gunfire upon advancing into the forest enclaves, triggering a fierce exchange. In the ensuing battle, two sub-commanders identified by their aliases as “Minute,” said to be from Ebonyi State, and “Nwaotu,” from Mkpoku in Mbaitoli LGA, were neutralised.
A cache of arms and communication equipment was recovered at the scene, including two automatic pump-action guns, nine live cartridges, six spent cartridges and a walkie-talkie. Other members of the group reportedly escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Police authorities confirmed that no personnel were injured during the operation and vowed to sustain the manhunt for fleeing members of the group.
The forest sweep, officials said, is part of an intensified campaign to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks and restore lasting security across Imo communities.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
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